The announcement comes after the Standard successfully helped created more than 1,300 apprenticeships for young people since the campaign’s introduction in September 2012.

Bob Satchwell, Executive Director of the Society of Editors, said: "After the success of the Evening Standard's campaign, similar apprenticeship schemes are now running in Leeds, Kent, Darlington, Cambridge, Northern Ireland and Swindon.

"We look forward to hearing The Duke of York's thoughts on how the local and regional newspaper industry can help to create trainee positions for youngsters and to help the unemployed into work.”